Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Neesa Moodley
Published on 2024-03-25 21:59:01
Planning a long-weekend break with your family? Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to prepare adequately to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Netcare 911 spokesperson Sarah Kekana suggests avoiding traveling on peak traffic days, which are anticipated to be Friday, 29 March and Monday, 1 April this year. These days often experience high incidents on the road due to traffic congestion. It’s essential to plan your route ahead of time and be aware of alternative routes in case of unexpected delays or road closures.
Before embarking on your trip, it’s important to conduct a pre-trip road check. Leruo Malumo, product manager at Santam, recommends several key checks:
– Tyres: Ensure wheel alignment and balancing are done, and that the tyres are in good condition with sufficient tread and pressure. Don’t forget to check the spare wheel as well.
– Windscreen and wipers: Check for cracks or chips on the windscreen that may affect visibility. Ensure that the wipers are functioning properly to clear rain and debris.
– Book a service: Stick to the service intervals prescribed by the manufacturer to avoid mechanical breakdowns during your trip.
– Stock emergency supplies: Carry a first-aid kit, a torch, glow-in-the-dark triangles, water, and wet wipes in your vehicle for any emergencies.
To enhance safety on the road, it’s crucial to avoid distractions while driving. Some tips to prevent distracted driving include having a passenger monitor traffic reports, listening to local radio stations for updates, downloading music or podcasts beforehand, maintaining a safe traveling distance, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and keeping the car cool.
Planning your journey in advance can make for a less stressful driving experience. It’s advisable not to cover too much distance in a single day to avoid fatigue and lack of concentration, which can lead to accidents.
Consult the radio or social media for weather forecasts, route updates, and traffic alerts before setting off on your trip. Sharing the driving responsibilities with a fellow passenger can also help in managing long distances effectively.
When driving, certain safety measures are non-negotiable, such as avoiding drinking and driving, wearing seat belts, avoiding overloading the vehicle, staying alert for road hazards like potholes and animals, sticking to speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, and having emergency contact details handy.
Additionally, many leading insurers offer complimentary SOS services for roadside assistance, so it’s advisable to have these contact details readily available before leaving home.
By following these travel and safety tips, you can ensure a hassle-free and insurance claim-free holiday while enjoying a memorable time with your family.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
